1. Web_Design_Premium : Part I
Why Do I Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me?
Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the National Cyber
Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive,
malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without
the user's knowledge. Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system's
performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike viruses and
worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.
Where does it come from?
Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common way is when the
user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware
or shareware program without the user's knowledge. The user downloads the program to
their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the
spyware author's personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many P2P file-sharing
programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs.
The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying
licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware
program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always
take the time to read the fine print. Some agreements may provide special 'opt-out' boxes
that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to
review the document before signing off on the download.
Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the
security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web
browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why
the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive.
For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your
screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It
provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download
containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are
now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.
Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web
browser or other software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware
author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of
the spyware program.
What can spyware programs do?
Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are
simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

2. Spyware can:
Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
Scan files located on your hard drive.
Snoop through applications on our desktop.
Install other spyware programs into your computer.
Read your cookies.
Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
Cause your computer to run slower.
Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment
is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate's settings.
Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places
within your computer making it difficult to remove.
Spyware Examples
Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while
researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the
spyware-writers use.
CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through 'holes' found in Internet Explorer.
These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including
http://coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search
engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS)
to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to
advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page
of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you
visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site.
Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through

3. advertisements they've altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is
installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements
displayed by other spyware programs. It's a prime example of how spyware can install more
spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing
behavior, and display advertisements.
How can I prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer
system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several
currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft's Ad-
Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of
an anti-virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos,
Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time
protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software. As with most programs,
update your anti virus software frequently.
As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem
because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality. Spyware enjoys
penetrating the IE's weaknesses. Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE
browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the
security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will
help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.
.
And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the
only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of
the operating system.
NOTE: You have full permission to reprint this article within your website or newsletter as
long as you leave the article fully intact and include the "About The Author" resource box.
Thanks! :-
Hiring a web designer to come up with the custom solution that you need can set you back
a few thousand bucks. But you can do the whole thing yourself and make it drag and drop
simple for mere pennies with a tool like Breezy Websites. See http://breezywebsites.com
for details!
WEB_DESIGN_PREMIUM : End of Part I
Web_Design_Premium : Part II

4. Why Do We Need Anti-Spam Software?
Spam, otherwise known as junk email or unsolicited commercial email; is quickly becoming
on of the most prevalent complaints of internet users. Not only is it annoying, but it is quickly
becoming a dangerous and potentially expensive problem for businesses as well as
individuals.
How is it dangerous?
First and foremost, spam is one of the leading causes for clogged networks and slow
connections. American Online, one of the nation's largest internet service providers;
transmits over 8 trillion spam email messages a year. Those messages tie up valuable
bandwidth and can slow down entire networks. Although end users will rarely see a
significant change in their connections, they can rest assured that a noteworthy portion of
their monthly bill is paying for that lost bandwidth.
Most spam includes images or weblinks within it commercial content. Although some of it is
begin or at worst annoying, an increasing portion contains sexually explicit content. Spam
messages frequently contain pornographic pictures or links to sex-related websites.
These messages are not suited for children yet can easily be accidentally opened by
minors. In addition to simple sexual content, some of the most severely sexually explicit
spam can contain images of such illegal and offensive acts such as bestiality or child
pornography.
Aside from slowing connections or carrying unwanted pornography, spam is the leading
cause of transmitted computer viruses. Computer viruses are programs which run malicious
code which can damage computer systems, delete files and steal personal information.
These viruses are often hidden in an email messages as attachments such as a pictures.
Email transmitted viruses can render entire systems inoperable and delete important
documents forever.
How can you stop it?
The easiest and most simple way to stop unwanted email is to employ a spam blocker.
Spam blockers are manufactured by a variety of companies and be anywhere from free to
costing upwards of 50$.
There are three basic types of spam blocking software. The first is a key-word blocker.
These programs examine the header and body of an email message looking for a series of
predefined criteria. For example, a program could be instructed to flag or block any email
message containing the word 'sex'.
Although seemingly straightforward, the spam blocker also has to stop any spelling variation

5. of sex such as sexx or s_e_x. Although this type of spam blocker can do very well at
stopping spam, it also has a tendency to block personal emails which may or may not
contain flagged words.
The second type of spam blocker is an address list blocker which blocks or flags any emails
not coming from a predefined list of addresses (such as the user's address book).
Although this type of spam blocker does a very good job of not blocking personal emails
from friends or family, it can inadvertently delete important messages from users not on the
original predefined list. This can make it very easy to miss potentially important yet
unexpected emails.
The third type of spam blocker is actually a hybrid of the aforementioned varieties. It will
filter emails from known friendly accounts directly to the inbox while holding potentially
dangerous emails in the filter. The user can then go in and sort through emails from either
friendly strangers (non spam emails from unfamiliar addresses) or unfriendly strangers
(spam emails from unfamiliar addresses).
Although these programs do require a slight amount of user interaction, they can protect
your computer and keep you from inadvertently deleting important emails.
Hiring a web designer to come up with the custom solution that you need can set you back
a few thousand bucks. But you can do the whole thing yourself and make it drag and drop
simple for mere pennies with a tool like Breezy Websites. See http://breezywebsites.com
for details!
WEB_DESIGN_PREMIUM : End of Part II
Web_Design_Premium : Part III
Why Do We Need Anti-Spam Software?
Spam, otherwise known as junk email or unsolicited commercial email; is quickly becoming
on of the most prevalent complaints of internet users. Not only is it annoying, but it is quickly
becoming a dangerous and potentially expensive problem for businesses as well as
individuals.
How is it dangerous?
First and foremost, spam is one of the leading causes for clogged networks and slow
connections. American Online, one of the nation's largest internet service providers;
transmits over 8 trillion spam email messages a year. Those messages tie up valuable

6. bandwidth and can slow down entire networks. Although end users will rarely see a
significant change in their connections, they can rest assured that a noteworthy portion of
their monthly bill is paying for that lost bandwidth.
Most spam includes images or weblinks within it commercial content. Although some of it is
begin or at worst annoying, an increasing portion contains sexually explicit content. Spam
messages frequently contain pornographic pictures or links to sex-related websites.
These messages are not suited for children yet can easily be accidentally opened by
minors. In addition to simple sexual content, some of the most severely sexually explicit
spam can contain images of such illegal and offensive acts such as bestiality or child
pornography.
Aside from slowing connections or carrying unwanted pornography, spam is the leading
cause of transmitted computer viruses. Computer viruses are programs which run malicious
code which can damage computer systems, delete files and steal personal information.
These viruses are often hidden in an email messages as attachments such as a pictures.
Email transmitted viruses can render entire systems inoperable and delete important
documents forever.
How can you stop it?
The easiest and most simple way to stop unwanted email is to employ a spam blocker.
Spam blockers are manufactured by a variety of companies and be anywhere from free to
costing upwards of 50$.
There are three basic types of spam blocking software. The first is a key-word blocker.
These programs examine the header and body of an email message looking for a series of
predefined criteria. For example, a program could be instructed to flag or block any email
message containing the word 'sex'.
Although seemingly straightforward, the spam blocker also has to stop any spelling variation
of sex such as sexx or s_e_x. Although this type of spam blocker can do very well at
stopping spam, it also has a tendency to block personal emails which may or may not
contain flagged words.
The second type of spam blocker is an address list blocker which blocks or flags any emails
not coming from a predefined list of addresses (such as the user's address book).
Although this type of spam blocker does a very good job of not blocking personal emails
from friends or family, it can inadvertently delete important messages from users not on the
original predefined list. This can make it very easy to miss potentially important yet
unexpected emails.
The third type of spam blocker is actually a hybrid of the aforementioned varieties. It will
filter emails from known friendly accounts directly to the inbox while holding potentially
dangerous emails in the filter. The user can then go in and sort through emails from either
friendly strangers (non spam emails from unfamiliar addresses) or unfriendly strangers

7. (spam emails from unfamiliar addresses).
Although these programs do require a slight amount of user interaction, they can protect
your computer and keep you from inadvertently deleting important emails.
Hiring a web designer to come up with the custom solution that you need can set you back
a few thousand bucks. But you can do the whole thing yourself and make it drag and drop
simple for mere pennies with a tool like Breezy Websites. See http://breezywebsites.com
for details!
WEB_DESIGN_PREMIUM : End of Part III